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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesA31.9

A31.9

Granulomatous disease, unspecified.

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/05/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 A31.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of granulomatous disease, unspecified..

Key Diagnostic Point:

Granulomatous disease refers to a group of conditions characterized by the formation of granulomas, which are small areas of inflammation in tissue. These granulomas can result from various infectious and non-infectious causes, but when unspecified, it indicates that the underlying cause has not been determined. Mycobacterial infections, particularly those caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), are common triggers for granulomatous disease. Other bacterial infections, such as those caused by certain strains of Actinomyces or Nocardia, can also lead to granuloma formation. Clinically, patients may present with respiratory symptoms, systemic signs of infection, or localized symptoms depending on the affected organ. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies, microbiological cultures, and sometimes biopsy to identify the presence of granulomas. Treatment protocols vary based on the underlying cause but often include antibiotics for bacterial infections and may require long-term therapy for mycobacterial infections. Resistance patterns, particularly in tuberculosis, are a significant concern, necessitating careful monitoring and adjustment of treatment regimens.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of potential underlying causes
  • Need for comprehensive diagnostic workup
  • Differentiation from other granulomatous diseases
  • Potential for co-infections

Audit Risk Factors

  • Insufficient documentation of diagnostic workup
  • Lack of clarity on the underlying cause of granulomatous disease
  • Inconsistent coding of related conditions
  • Failure to document treatment protocols

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of symptoms, diagnostic tests performed, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with chronic cough, fever, and weight loss.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all diagnostic tests and their results are documented to support the diagnosis.

Pulmonology

Documentation Requirements

Pulmonary function tests, imaging studies, and biopsy results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with suspected pulmonary granulomas due to infections.

Billing Considerations

Document the patient's smoking history and exposure to environmental factors.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use A31.9 When
  • 10 guidelines specify that A31
  • 9 should be used when the specific cause of granulomatous disease is not identified
  • Coders should ensure that all relevant clinical information is documented to support the use of this code

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use A31.9 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

71046CPT Code

CT scan of the chest

Clinical Scenario

Used to evaluate suspected granulomatous disease in patients with respiratory symptoms.

Documentation Requirements

Document the indication for the CT scan and any findings.

Specialty Considerations

Pulmonologists should ensure that imaging findings correlate with clinical symptoms.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of granulomatous diseases, enabling better tracking of epidemiological data and treatment outcomes. A31.9 serves as a catch-all for unspecified cases, which can complicate data analysis if overused.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of granulomatous diseases, enabling better tracking of epidemiological data and treatment outcomes. A31.9 serves as a catch-all for unspecified cases, which can complicate data analysis if overused.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Mycobacteria Information

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Mycobacteria Information

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I document to support the use of A31.9?

Document the patient's symptoms, diagnostic tests performed, and any treatments initiated. Ensure that the clinical rationale for using the unspecified code is clear.